3 Driveable Vacation Destinations from Orlando

Spring Break is almost here and we are looking forward to hitting the road with the kiddos to discover new places, have new experiences, try new foods and have some family bonding time. If we are really lucky, there might be a few moments of relaxation for mom (Who are we kidding? That’s not gonna happen) Here are three locations that you can drive to from Orlando that are just perfect for Spring Break or a great summer vacation as well.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is only about 2.5 hours drive from Orlando and is a perfect location for a spring break getaway. Fort Lauderdale has great beaches just perfect for building sandcastles, hunting for seashells or burying dad in the sand.

Things to do

Take a trip out to Everglades National Park and take a nature tour and airboat ride through the park. Kids will love spotting all the different animals in the park. Just watch out for alligators!

Hop on board a pirate cruise and the kids can help to find hidden treasure.

Take the water taxi along the Fort Lauderdale waterways to 12 different stops along the route. The captain provides narration on sights to see along the way.

Where to stay

Marriott Harbor Beach is a great option for families. It is right on the beach, so no need to cross A1A with the kids. The hotel has a variety of beach toys, such as pedal boats, jet skis and kayaks for rent if you want to do more than just play in the sand. There is also a large pool your kids prefer the pool to the beach.

Savannah

For many people spring break or summer break vacation is synonymous with beach vacation, but it doesn’t have to be. Visiting Savannah is a great alternative to the traditional beach break and it is only 4 hours away from Orlando.

Things to do

Visit the Savannah Children’s Museum. This is an all outdoor museum with over 12 exhibits for kids to enjoy. Kids can explore in the maze or play in the sensory garden.

Take a ride on the old town trolley. Kids will enjoy seeing the tour guides in period costume and just going for a ride on the trolley. Parents will enjoy learning about the history of the area.

Visit the Riverfront area. Take a walk along the riverwalk or take a carriage ride. Visit one of the shops and check out the street performers.

If you are yearning for a day at the beach, Tybee island is only 20 minutes from Savannah and makes a perfect beach outing.

Where to stay

The Residence Inn Savannah Downtown is a great place to lay your head. The hotel is laid out in a variety of cottages to recreate a worker’s village. The rooms are also larger than typical hotel rooms, which make them a great place for a family.

If you would prefer to stay on the riverfront, check out the Bohemian Hotel Savannah which is an 18th century hotel located right on the river.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one our favorite destinations to visit. The name of the city has beach in it so of course there is a beach to play on, but there is a lot more to do than just the beach. It is a little further afield than the other two cities, about 7.5 hours to get there, but it so worth the drive

Things to do

Broadway at the Beach is an outdoor shopping, restaurant and amusement complex. There’s so much to do there, it’ll make your head spin. A few of our favorites are Pavilion Park, where you can go on old school carnival rides, Wonderworks, part museum, part fun house for kids, and Ripley’s Aquarium.

We recommend checking out the Pirates Voyage show, produced by Dolly Parton. It is a combination of high-flying acrobatics and fight scenes that is fun for the whole family.

Of course, the location is called Myrtle Beach, so definitely stop by the over 60 miles of beach that is here.

Where to stay

Our favorite place to stay is the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Grand Dunes. The hotel is in North Myrtle Beach, so it is a little quieter up there, but it isn’t too far from the action when you want to be entertained. The hotel is also right on the beach, so no traveling necessary to get there. If you would rather be in the middle of the action, there are plenty of hotel options on the Grand Strand.

Let us know if you plan to visit one of these locations with your family later this year.